Gigabyte G-MAX NB-1401: Beauty in the Simplest Terms

Conclusion

Gigabyte’s G-MAX NB-1401 has left us with a good impression, and it shows that they have done their homework for the mobile market segment. The G-MAX NB-1401 is simply beautiful. The bright screen and the “clutter-less” design make it a good choice for those interested in a thin and light notebook. While it is on the borderline of the lightweight notebook segment, we are satisfied with the design because it incorporates performance in lieu of a lighter system. The system isn’t powerful in the context of graphics, due to the use of the 855GM, but this should help keep the overall cost lower, which (we have been informed) should be somewhere between $1500 to $2000 US.

Officially, Gigabyte is supposed to announce this product in the USA market soon after Computex, so I am sure this is just the first you will hear of this notebook. The three months that Gigabyte has already had in the Asian market has allowed them to prepare for North America. Their entrance into this market will be targeted towards the mainstream mobile shopper, who is looking for a mix between performance and mobility.

We would tend to characterize the Gigabyte G-MAX NB-1401 as a thin and light notebook with the trimmings of performance, and will work well in this context. This is not necessarily suited well for those who travel a lot, as it is not a sub 4-pound notebook. If you are looking for a complement to your daily personal computer, we would recommend an ultraportable system (like the IBM X31 or the Acer C110). The NB-1401 can function as a “on the go” system, but it is more suited to be your daily personal computer. It won’t bring the same performance as a desktop replacement, but it will sure beat them out in the weight and size/form aspects.

For those curious-minded, Gigabyte’s etching of the Chinese character for “extreme” has been phonetically translated wrong. A more approximate phonetic pronunciation would be “gi” or “ji.” This is more of a matter of semantics, and while we are talking in Chinese, we would prefer the Chinese term of “swai”, which translates to “cool, hip, with-it”, as well as other connotations. Gigabyte’s effort to make their notebook aesthetically appealing goes as far as including a G-MAX mini-mouse and a slick carrying case with the G-MAX engraving [on a few metal plates attached to the vinyl case]. While FIC lays true claim on the component end of the system, Gigabyte has done a good job of pre-marketing this to channel sales, but may face internal competition because FIC is also selling this notebook under their own brand. A good approach for Gigabyte would be to develop their own niche quickly, as not to undercut their ODM partner, but only time will tell exactly what happens.